What is prompt injection?

AI prompt injection is a method used to manipulate the input provided to an AI system, particularly language models, to influence the output in desired way. This approach takes advantage of the AI's tendency to follow patterns or instructions embedded within the input. For example, an attacker might insert commands or misleading information into a prompt to trick the AI into generating specific responses. This can be used for malicious purposes, such as generating inappropriate content, extracting sensitive information, or misleading users who rely on AI-generated information.

The mechanics of prompt injection involve crafting input text that subtly guides the AI's behaviour. This can be done by including specific phrases, altering the context, or embedding commands within the prompt. The AI, often not aware of the manipulative intent, processes this input according to its training and generates output that aligns with the injected elements.

Defending against prompt injection requires careful input validation, monitoring for unusual patterns, and implementing safeguards within the AI's processing algorithms. Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial as AI systems become more integrated into critical applications, such as customer service, content creation, and decision support systems.

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